Process for making metal packing



Patented Nov. 14, 1922.

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RICHARD F. SPR OESSIG, OF I-IOL'ION, INDIANA.

PROCESS FOR MAKING METAL PACKING.

No Drawing.

Process for MakingMetal Packing, of which the following specification isa full disclosure.

My invention relates to the production of metallic packing materialamalgamated with a lubricant and to a metal alloy packing product ofspongy constituent permeated or impregnated with a pulverulentlubricant.

An object of the invention is to provide a simple and efficient methodfor efficiently" permeating a metal alloy with a determined percent oflubricant and forming a procluct more ductile and malleable for compressing and shaping into form for an article of commerce or as a compoundfor packing purposes. 1

Another object of the invention is to pour the molten metal 'or metalalloy from a determined height into abath of pulverulent lubricant forrendering the metal into particles of spongy form, permeated and coatedwith the lubricant.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lubricating packingproduct having a ductile metal base consisting of spongiform metalparticles of graded or ungraded dimensions, impregnated and coated witha pulverulent lubricant, adapted to be pressed into form for an articleof commerce or as a compound tobe applied and compressed into a journalor stuffing box for bearing or packing utility.

Other objects and features of advantages will be more fully revealed inthe following detail description of the process and product.

The invention being particularly directed to the production of ametallic packing product having lubricating qualities, the metal ormetal alloy as a base, representing any of the commercial or specialmetal alloys, adaptable for packing or bearing use are hereincontemplated, these varying in grade or kind for different classes anddegrees of services and having attained a status in the art so as not torequire any detailed disclosure herein. Therefore no analytical orformula reference of any alloys will be made.

The desired metal or metal alloy is heated Application filed March 7,1921. Serial No. 450,450;

and while in molten state, is pouredfrom approxlmately a height of sixfeet into a pulverized graphite bath. For the best re suits the .packingmetal is heated to a degree bringing'the mass to alight cherry redcolor. The extreme heat of the metal is approximately 220 0 Fahrenheitand the heat at ,lpourlng point is approximately 950, varying accordingto the different alloys used in making different metal alloys. Thepulverized graphite is sustained in either a stationary, revolving ormoving container. The molten metal, as it strikes the loose graphite,spurts over and imbeds itself into the graphite, converting the coolingmetal into cellular or spongy particles permeated and coated withgraphite.

Before pouring the molten alloy, any oxide or other foreign accumulationis scraped off of the molten metal. The molten metal can be poured at adifferent state of fluency from that when heated as described and theproduct will not be noticeably different except that it will not possessthe resiliency desired for some of its uses.

For governing the size of the particles, the molten metal is pouredthrough a screen disposed above the graphite, the screen beingpreferably disposed at a height of four to eight. inches above thegraphite. The height from which the molten metal is poured is limited toa distance which will not permit it to cool and assume a permanent shapebefore striking the graphite.

I am aware that many methods have been practised for producing a metalpacking containing graphite, as by mixing graphite into the molten metalor by coating the. cold particles of the metal with a graphite, whichproducts, however, are not easily compressible to make an efficientpacking or bearing, or, are low in percentage of graphite.

lVith the product of a spongy or cellulose formation, it is receptive ofa high percentage of graphite and the particles will interlock with oneanother when compressed or moulded into shape, either when preliminarilyformed into a gasketor hearing or loosely applied in its place ofutilization as in a stuffing-box and compressed within the box about ashaft or stem by the stuffing-box nut or gland. It permits of a largerrange of many adjustments in adding to the life of the packing andeasily packed to render it impervious to steam at high pressures, as itWill not permit hair lines to be blown in it as is common with all.other packings. It can be shaped in band or cord form as a flexiblestrip packing.

Having described my invention, I claim? 1. Av process for producing aproduct of the character set forth, consisting in pouring molten metalalloy from a height upon a quantity of pulverized graphite therebyforming a spongy metal product impregnated and coated With graphite.

52. -A process for makingametal packing product, consisting in pouringmolten metal :from a height upon a quantity or granular lubricantmaterial.

o. A process. for making spongy metal products conslstmg 1n pouringmolten metal metal packing consisting in pouring molten metal from aheight through ascreen and upon a loose pulverized graphite.

In Witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name as attested by the tWosubscribing witnesses.

RICHARD F. SPROESSIG.

. itnesses:

L. A. BECK,

J. 0. Jumps. Y:

